FEEDBACK UNIT (Future role)

Mr Chew Heng Ching asked the Acting Minister for Community Development if he is satisfied with the work of the Government Feedback Unit since its formation and whether there are plans to enhance the Unit's role in the near future.

The Acting Minister for Community Development (Mr Wong Kan Seng): Mr Speaker, Sir, I am satisfied with the work of the Feedback Unit. For the information of Members, the Feedback Unit had, as at 31st January 1986, received 797 letters from members of the public, 741 inputs from grassroots organizations, as well as telephone calls and personal visits. The public is primarily concerned with issues on housing, welfare and health services, issues which touch on the daily lives of Singaporeans.

Hon. Members may recall that I have reported previously to this House that our people were well aware of the role of the Feedback Unit and that they did not treat it as a Complaints Bureau. This is still the case. In fact, private complaints and appeals, which earlier formed 10% to 12% of the total input, have dropped to less than 2% in January 1986.

The various Ministries and Departments have taken the feedback provided by the Unit seriously. The Feedback Unit's reports and requests have resulted in regulatory and procedural changes. These have been reported in the mass media from time to time. Some examples are the solution to the problem facing the rental car industry, waiving of the $150 fee charged by the HDB for air-conditioners, and the extension of the deadline to spruce up unsightly buildings. Full credit must be given to the Ministries concerned for adopting a positive attitude and exercising flexibility within the constraints of the policies that have been laid down.

As for enhancing the Unit's role, Members may wish to know that with effect from June last year, the Feedback Unit is also receiving and collating inputs from the grassroots organizations. The notes of discussion on national issues at the monthly meetings of the Residents' Committees and the Citizens Consultative Committees are forwarded to the Feedback Unit which processes and analyses them. The Unit also takes note of comments which concern matters of public interest appearing in the newspapers.

This year, the Unit will concentrate on establishing more direct contacts with the people. Firstly, the Unit, together with the People's Association, will hold a series of discussions with the people at the various community centres. Secondly, the Unit will also try to bring together private sector organizations, such as trade associations and professional societies, and the officials of the relevant Ministries for more dialogue.

Mr Chew Heng Ching (Kaki Bukit): Sir, would the Acting Minister consider, in the interest of the public, publishing regularly some of these letters with the Government's replies in some newsletters like the Mirror?

Mr Wong Kan Seng: In fact, from time to time, matters which are of public interest and which have been resolved or taken up by the Feedback Unit were published in the Mirror or the mass media. We will continue to do so whenever there are such cases.